Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Carroll.
Hi Chris, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The Sudden Retirement & Return: On Christmas Day 2020, after winning a championship at I-37 Speedway, Carroll impulsively sold all of his racing equipment online to step away from the grueling 30-year grind. However, he woke up in a cold sweat shortly after, realizing he couldn’t stay away from the sport—but knew his return had to mean something more.
The Inspiration Behind the Mission: Inspired by his late father (a Navy veteran) and a conversation with his friend Jonathan Knox (a military veteran), Carroll realized how deeply veterans struggle with losing their sense of brotherhood and team identity after leaving the military. He noted the tragic statistic of veteran suicides (estimated at 22 a day) as a major driving force for the organization.
What CWR Warriors Does: Originally meaning Carroll Walker Racing, the “CWR” acronym was repurposed for this mission. The non-profit brings veterans and their families into the race shop to build and maintain IMCA Modified race cars (specifically running Carroll’s signature No. 15). The veterans then head to the track as a unified pit crew, restoring the camaraderie and “team” environment they lost after leaving the service.
Community & Grassroots Effort: Based in Spring Branch, Texas (a tight-knit Hill Country community with a rich history dating back to 1852), CWR Warriors is a purely grassroots, volunteer-driven effort. To ensure maximum impact, the organization has no salaried staff except for a bookkeeper; everything else is powered by volunteers, donors, and partners.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Fairly smooth. Oddly enough, consistent veteran participation can be a struggle. We have our core guys, but we are always trying to include more. Fundraising is always a challenge but we have some great marketing partners in our community who help us out tremendously.
We’ve been impressed with CWR Warriors Inc., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
CWR Warriors is a grassroots, volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Spring Branch, Texas. We use the high-energy, collaborative world of dirt-track racing to support military veterans and their families. By bringing veterans into the shop to build and crew IMCA Modified race cars, we give them back the sense of team, purpose, and brotherhood they often lose after transitioning out of the military. When veterans leave the service, one of the biggest challenges they face is the sudden loss of a tight-knit team identity, which contributes heavily to the veteran isolation and suicide crisis. CWR Warriors bridges that gap by providing a hands-on community. We bring veterans and their families directly into the racing world—working side-by-side in the shop and pulling together as a unified pit crew on race nights. It’s not just about turning wrenches or winning races; it’s about giving veterans a positive focus, a reliable support network, and a community that genuinely has their back
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Operating a competitive dirt-track racing team inherently involves significant physical risk.
The Risk: You are putting non-professional pit crews—veterans who may be dealing with physical injuries or cognitive challenges—into a fast-paced, high-danger environment like a hot pit lane or an active fabrication shop.
The Impact: A single shop accident or pit lane injury could lead to devastating liability issues, severe spikes in insurance premiums, or legal complications that could threaten the organization’s 501(c)(3) status. Managing strict safety protocols while keeping the environment welcoming is a constant balancing act.
The organization works directly with a high-vulnerability population. Veterans navigating the difficult transition to civilian life may experience severe PTSD triggers, sudden mental health crises, or profound personal struggles.
Pricing:
- $75 donation gives 1 hour EMDR session
- $30 donation is one pit pass for a veteran or family member
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cwrwarriors.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwrwarriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwrwarriors
- Twitter: https://x.com/CWRWarriors
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cwrwarriors
